James Vernon Hardbeck

James Vernon Hardbeck passed away Monday, March 15, 2021 at his care center in Cumming, GA. He had been battling complications from a severe head injury sustained in the summer of 2020.

Born in Spartanburg, SC on December 17, 1944, he was the son of Vernon and Lois Hardbeck and brother of John Hardbeck. He spent much of his formative years near Charlotte, NC and it is there where he met the love of his life, Pat. They were married in Germany on January 31, 1969. Due to his service with the Army, they were able to travel and live in many places, finally settling down in Savannah, GA while Jim was with Aviation Safety at Hunter Army Airfield. It was Savannah that they would call home and raise their son Christopher.

Jim was an accomplished pilot in the Army who flew several tours in the Vietnam War. He flew for A Company 502nd Aviation Regiment (1965 - 1966), 175th Assault Helicopter Company (1967 - 1968), and 7th Squadron / 1st Air Cavalry Regiment (1969 - 1970). Among his many honors bestowed were the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Purple Heart Medal. He went on the serve and fly in the GA Army National Guard and later retired as Chief Warrant Officer - 4.

Jim had many passions. He loved to catch sunrises at the beach as much as he loved to get away to go camping in the Smoky Mountains. He was an avid fan of Tar Heel basketball and UGA football and he certainly did not take losing well. He preferred cars that could go fast and the open roads that could handle them. His dachshunds always brought a smile to his face and pride in his heart. But, nothing compared to his love of aviation. He always said he was more comfortable in the skies than he was on the ground.

Mr. Hardbeck is survived by his son Chris, his daughter-in-law Sheri, and his three grandchildren Evan, Ansley, and Avery. He was preceded in death by his father Vernon, brother John, mother Lois, and wife Pat.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 27th. It will be conducted by The Reverend John Haney and will be in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, GA.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a charitable donation to one of the following charities...
National Alliance on Mental Illness www.nami.org

The Wounded Warrior Project www.support.woundedwarriorproject.org

The J.C. and Nancy Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion www.sjchs.org/cancer/ways-to-give